Mitchell Starc in doubt for Sydney Test with Finger Injury

Australia speedster Mitchell Starc is in doubt for the third and final test match against South Africa in Sydney after suffering a finger injury on day 1 of the ongoing boxing day test match at the MCG. 

The tip of Starc’s middle finger was dislocated while attempting to take a catch at long-on during the middle session on day one. 

He was immediately taken off the field for treatment only to return later in the game during SA’s first innings after having a brief bowl in the nets out the back of the MCG, but he was not required to bowl. 

Australia's team management confirmed on the following morning that Starc had been cleared to continue to play in the match and he did bat in the nets before play. But the Australian Cricket Board statement said otherwise “condition will be reassessed at the completion of the match" and no details of the result of his scan overnight were reported. 

The Number one side have two spare quickies with the squad. Lane Morris and Josh Hazlewood both had to bowl in the nets on the second morning at the MCG. Morris had been called up ahead of the Adelaide Test against the Windies as particular cover for Starc who has been Australia’s most durable fast bowler having played the last 18 consecutive Tests since only being selected for one of the five Tests in the 2019 Ashes.

Australia may also look to add another specialist spin bowler to their playing combination for the Sydney Test given the only Sheffield Shield match played here this summer was a spinner’s haven with NSW off spinner Chris Green picking nine wickets and West Australia off spinner Corey Rocchiccioli grabbing eight in a low scoring thriller.